Goyal highlighted the warm welcome extended by the society and its volunteers to all Shiva devotees visiting Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that an increase in pilgrimage not only benefits the local tourism industry but also leads to improved business and employment opportunities for small shopkeepers and laborers. Goyal expressed gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir administrations for extending the duration of the journey from one and a half months to 62 days, which has positively impacted the business community and laborers.
He further mentioned the ongoing organization of a langar bhandara, a communal kitchen, by the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Welfare Society at the Bhagwati Nagar Baba Purnath Temple. The langar has been operating for 13 consecutive days, providing food and other amenities to Shiva devotees who have embarked on the Amarnath Yatra to fulfill their wishes.
The langar was inaugurated by Mr. Kavinder Gupta and Vijay Gupta, prominent BJP leaders, who were welcomed as chief guests. Sardar Sucha Singh, the corporator of Jammu Bhagwati Nagar Ward, also participated in the event. The guests were greeted according to Sanatan culture with tilak (a religious mark on the forehead) and chunri (a colorful scarf).
During the event, Mr. Kavinder Gupta distributed food and langar to the devotees, experiencing joy and satisfaction in serving Lord Shiva. Gupta highlighted that by worshipping Lord Shiva, the bestower of blessings, devotees’ wishes are fulfilled, and their sins are absolved merely by having a darshan (sight) of the deity.
Mr. Kavinder Gupta further remarked on the overwhelming presence of Shiva devotees in Jammu and Kashmir, comparing the scene to the grand Maha Kumbh Mela. He expressed a deep sense of pleasure and spiritual fulfillment in witnessing such a massive gathering, which exemplifies the spirit of brotherhood and respect for guests in Jammu and Kashmir.
Raju Chandel, the National General Secretary of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Welfare Society, highlighted the society’s efforts to fulfill the wishes of Baba Barfani’s visitors. The society has made special arrangements for accommodation, bathing facilities, and meals, serving tea, biscuits, bread, Chole Bhature (a popular Indian dish), and desi ghee pudding for breakfast, and providing lunch and dinner. The langar operates 24/7, adhering to cleanliness standards and providing clean water throughout the 62-day pilgrimage. Chandel assured that the langar follows all guidelines issued by the administration, ensuring that nothing is lacking for the devotees.
Sardar Sucha Singh, the corporator of Jammu Bhagwati Nagar, expressed his satisfaction with the langar being organized by the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Welfare Society in Bhagwati Nagar. He observed the devotees of Lord Shiva relishing the langar prasad (blessed food) with great delight.